READER SUBMITTED:

4th District Congressman Jim Himes today visited Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center in Westport to tour the facility and learn about its breadth of programs and offerings. Congressman Himes is already a great supporter of Harbor Watch, the water quality monitoring program of Earthplace, and considers water health a prime issue among his constituency. "I don't meet people who don't care about water quality," he said during his visit.

Himes was on hand last month, along with Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy to announce the award of an EPA Urban Waters Small Grant to the Earthplace Harbor Watch program. The $53,000 grant will allow Harbor Watch to monitor three storm drains discharging into Norwalk Harbor.

Eager to discover Earthplace beyond the Harbor Watch program, Congressman Himes' visit included a tour of Natureplace, the interactive natural history museum, encounters with the resident animals and discussions of Earthplace land and trails. Praising the environmental awareness and preservation of open space at Earthplace, Himes stated "we have to get people away from the idea that the ideal is a half-acre of green lawn. We're getting there. People are much more fixed on the food they eat and the cars they buy," and he was encouraged by the educational programs Earthplace has in place to create the next generation of environmental stewards. About Earthplace:

The mission of Earthplace is to build a passion in our community for nature and the environment through education, experience and action. Founded in 1958 and accredited by The American Alliance of Museums, the nonprofit organization maintains a 62-acre wildlife sanctuary with trails, contains an interactive natural history museum, houses live wildlife for public viewing and hosts many public nature programs and events for children and adults. Other activities include a state-licensed and accredited nursery school, summer day camp, a live animal hall and the Harbor Watch water quality testing program. Earthplace also stewards four satellite parcels of open space in Westport, including the 22-acre Partrick Wetlands.